I will send guitars on approval. Shipping and
insurance costs are paid by the prospective buyer. I
also require a check covering the cost of the guitar
which will be returned if the customer decides against
purchase.

If you are interested in a guitar, please call or
email me. I prefer a call because I like to get to know
the people who buy guitars from me. It is a big decision
and I make it a point to satisfy my clients.

If you are looking for something I don't have, let me
know and I will do my best to find it.

Fine and Rare Guitars is dedicated to bringing the
finest classical and flamenco guitars to players and
collectors. Every instrument, including the student
models, is selected by me.

My priorities are quality of sound, playability and
condition.

Having lived for twenty-six years in Europe, I have had
the great fortune of experiencing a vast number of guitars
from makers the world over. I have procured guitars for
important collections such as that of Sheldon Urlik. In
addition, some well-known players have benefited as a
result of a purchase from me.

My many connections can also help me find a specific
guitar for you that may not be in my inventory at the
present time. If you would like to sell an instrument,
contact me with full details.

It is important to me that my clients are satisfied.
Buying a fine guitar is an important and personal
decision. Whether you are a novice or a professional, I
will do all I can to make sure your guitar purchased from
me is the right one.

In 1971 I traveled to Spain to study guitar. I spoke no
Spanish and knew no one. Within two days I had met the
famous guitar maker Paulino Bernabé, who became a close
friend. I asked his advice about who was the best teacher
in Madrid and he said without hesitation, Regino Sainz de
la Maza. Paulino called him and arranged an audition. My
playing was quite poor, but somehow Don Regino accepted me
as a pupil. I studied with him for seven years. It was a
great privilege to have had his guidance.

I got to know most of the guitar makers in Madrid;
Bernabé, Hernández y Aguado, Arcángel Fernández, Ramírez,
to name a few. I spent a great deal of time in Bernabé's
shop at Cuchilleros 8 in Madrid watching him build quality
guitars. The education and insight has proven invaluable.

"Bajo la palmera"
- Duo Llobet -

Bruce's CD made with Thomas Königs is available
for $15.00 which includes S&H in the US.

In 1979 I went on a short trip to Germany and was
offered a teaching position at a city music school in
Wasserburg am Inn. I did a lot of teaching and
performing. Through a friend I met a very fine
guitarist, Thomas Königs,
who became my duo partner. We worked exceptionally well
together and in addition to performing concerts we
recorded a CD of Spanish music for Aurophone.

It was during my sojourn in Germany that I began
dealing in fine guitars, a business that I continue to
expand. My experience as a player and dealer leads me to
seek out the finest guitars for the money I can find. I
consider myself a caretaker of these wonderful
instruments. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly.

Finally, in the fall of 1998 I returned to Iowa, where
I grew up. The move was rather traumatic, but we have
adjusted and have met some wonderful people. Who knows
where the future will take us? One thing is sure - I will
always have a few fine guitars around.